Some years ago the headlines screamed out in large print, Chief Constable of Police says, “He heard God speak”. Of course the press were trying to ridicule his faith. A born again Christian can hear from God all the time, every day, every moment of the day, for he has Christ indwelling him, by the power of the Holy Spirit depending on his ability to be still and listen

 A glorious mystery.

King David enquired of God, …Shall I go up against the Philistines, and wilt thou deliver them into my hand? And the Lord said unto him, “Go up for I will deliver them into thine hand”. 1 Chron 14 v 10

The King then smote them there and God gave the victory but later they returned. David enquired again of the Lord? This time the answer was different. For God said…”Go not up after them, turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees”. 1 Chron 14 v 14

Has God changed? Does God still speak today? Yes by His Spirit and through His Word. What does the Spirit say unto the churches? Rev 2 v 1

One fine example of listening being in tune with God is found when the Spirit said unto Philip, “Go near”, and he ran. How wonderful to respond to God like that! Acts 8 v 29

Laban was told that Jacob had arrived, what did he do? And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. Gen 29 v 13

Some folks walk around with their ears covered by headphones. They are listening to a walkman, radio, or tape player. Of course they are completely cut off and isolated from other normal sounds. They are in a secluded world of their own. In one way they are drowning out the voice of their own conscience, obliterating that still small voice. They pass by the street preacher without hearing a word, And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying this is the way, walk ye in it.     Isaiah 30 v 21

Who says God does not speak?  Even the heavens speak. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Rom 1 v 2

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. Isaiah 49 v 1

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord.

…But the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but God was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire, but God was not in the fire; and after the fire, a still small voice.1 Kings 19 v 13

Did you hear that? This is my beloved Son, hear ye Him. Mark 9 v 7.

The Golden Candlestick

On leaving the hot sunlight of the courtyard, with its smells of the animals, and having washed first at the brass laver. The Levitical priest would enter into the holy place, and pause while his eyes adjusted to the light thrown by the seven-branched candlestick. Rev 1 v 12/13.

It was cool in the Holy place and there was no other light but that given by the golden candlestick, its light revealed the golden table of shewbread and the golden altar of incense. The candlestick had been beaten from one piece of solid gold. One of the priests daily duties was to replenish the lamp with oil the wicks had both to be trimmed back and the lamps adjusted daily.On leaving the hot sunlight of the courtyard, with its smells of the animals, and having washed first at the brass laver. The Levitical priest would enter into the holy place, and pause while his eyes adjusted to the light thrown by the seven-branched candlestick. Rev 1 v 12/13

Too much oil and the lamps would make smoke, too little oil and the light would grow dim. 1 Sam 3 v 3

Our priestly duties are to keep the, lamp of faith burning brightly, to make sure the oil flows freely and that the light burns brightly. Too much oil makes smoke (fleshly effort), but too little oil, quenches the Holy Spirit and our lights grow dim.

Let your light so shine among men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven. Math 5 v 11

The seven-branched candlestick reminds the seven churches, in which the Lord Jesus is in the midst. The light shining reminds us of the Light of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The light from the Lamp shines onto the shewbread, the bread of heaven, and the daily food for the priest. The Word of God upon which we feed. The light also shines onto the golden altar of incense where our daily prayers ascend to God, and are acceptable to God as incense. The light also reveals the fine white linen, which speaks of the righteousness of God. Rev 1 v 12

The light revealed the beauty of the candlestick itself, symbolising the oil of the Holy Spirit, illuminating the things of Christ Himself. The Holy Spirit illuminating the things of Christ, the gold that speaks of his divinity, the bread that speaks of his body broken on the cross for sinners, the incense ascending to God reminding us of the One, who ever lives to make intercession for us. Heb 7 v 25

The Holy place would have been cool and quite. The priest would have to work in the light of the lamp. We too as Christians are bid to walk and work in His light.

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all sin.1 John 1 v 7

But Christ being come a High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say not of this building. Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood he entered in once to the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9 v 11

Gen 1 v 3. John 8 v 12.   Acts 9 v 3.   Math 6 v 22.   John 1 v 4/9.   John 9 v 5.

Blameless

Paul could confidently say…Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe.1 Thess 2 v 10

What a testimony, a blameless life. Not a sinless life, for Paul was a sinner, only the Lord Jesus was without sin. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted, like we are, yet without sin. Heb 4 v 15

A holy life!

“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness: God is our witness: Nor of men, sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cheriseth her children”.

 Not many people would dare say, God is my witness. 1 Thess 2 v 5/7

According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Ephes 1 v 4

He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6 v 8

Life style tells all!

Will ye steal, and murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense to Baal and walk after other gods, whom ye know not. And come and stand before me in this house which is called by my name, and say we are delivered to do all these abominations? Jer 7 v 9

Zach’a r’ias and Elisabeth the parents of John the Baptist,..were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Luke 1 v 6

A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, and of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach. 1 Tim 3 v 2.

Not only a Bishop but Christians too! That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Philippians 2:15

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.  2 Peter 3 v 14

Are our lives blameless? We must reflect the purity, holiness and Godliness of our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ.

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight. 2 Peter 3 v 14.

Falling

Having spent many years visiting older folks homes and hospitals, I have seen many people supporting themselves on a zimmer  walking frame. Much damage can be done to fragile bones when an elderly person falls.

In my younger days, rash impetuous youths were always falling from a bike or motorbike, and in the winter, children and teenagers would break bones falling off the high speed sledges or skis as they hurtled down the slopes of the South downs. As soon as there was a light dusting of snow the hospital casualty departments would be full of fracture victims.

Wherefore let him that thinketh he stand take heed lest he fall”. Are we safe? Can we stand when all around are falling? 1 Cor 10 v 12

In the tabernacle, the table displayed the shewbread; twelve freshly baked loaves set out representing twelve tribes of Israel. When Israel was called to move on, it was kept from falling off by a crown of gold for the border thereof. Ex 37 v12/1

On a ship in stormy waters you would be grateful for the guard-rail which prevented you from falling overboard. God too has his guard rail; I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Think of it! God’s hand holding you, keeping you from falling. Isaiah 41 v 10

In the last days we are warned that there will be a falling away among Christians and professors of religion. ”Let no man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come, except there be a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. 2 Thess 2 v 3

Now the Spirit expressly declares, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.1 Tim 4 v 1

I have been constantly shocked by the inroads the devil has made in England. Every facet of moral and Christian life has been eroded, and contaminated with the world’s evil standards. Babylon, the great is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird  Rev 18 v 2

King Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick.  No doubt, he thought he was perfectly safe in the palace, yet he fell.  2 Kings 1 v 2

King David in lamenting the death of his friend Jonathan said, How the mighty are fallen. 2 Sam 1 v 25/26

Satan sought to be lifted up like God but soon was cast down. Jesus said, Behold I saw Satan falling from heaven.. Luke 10 v 18

Are you walking steady? Do you need a helping hand or a zimmer? Will you remain steady or will you fall?

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy”. Jude v 24

Finished

It is finished was Christ’s triumphant cry from the cross. John 19 v 30

…So that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.Acts 20 v 24b

Do you ever play the unfinished symphony? Did you ever gaze at an unfinished painting? Have you ever spent long hours over a picture puzzle, and enjoyed the thrill of that achievement, as the last piece of sky slots into place? Have you ever watched the struggle of the long distance runner, nearing exhaustion and yet pounding on, to finally enter the stadium to rapt applause and later that victors ovation when crossing the winning line.

Paul said, I have finished my course 2 Tim 4 v 7

When we consider his life, “In labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times I received forty stripes save one. Thrice I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep”;

In journeying’s often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting’s often, in cold and nakedness”… 2 Cor 11 v 23

No wonder at the end of it all, having endured, having overcome, having fought the good fight, having kept the faith, he could stand tall, look the world in the eye, with a clear conscience and with some satisfaction, say, I have finished, my course.2 Tim 4 v 7

I always feel sorry for those who fall over in a long distance race, unable to continue they have to retire with hopes of winning dashed and no chance  of finishing they limp away from the track dejected and sad. What about those who start the spiritual race and fail to complete it? “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death”. James 1 v 15

On the sixth day God finished his work of creation. Moses completed the building of the Tabernacle, as did Solomon in the building of the Temple. Gen 2 v 1. 1 Kings 6 v 14

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed. For the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 28 v 20

Have you finished? Will you finish with a well done thou good and faithful servant commendation?

Jesus said, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do”.John 17 v 4

The Challenge

And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the Lord; Behold I set before you the way of life, and the way of death. He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldean’s that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey. Jer 21 v 8/9

I set before you the way of life and the way of death. A clear choice has to be made for there is no room for prevarication or fudging the issue.

At the Alamo, surrounded by the hostile Santa-Anna’s Mexican army, the position of Col Travis was hopeless. Besieged and under constant attack he had been worn down and now with his troops depleted, dis-spirited and exhausted, he was calling for the final effort.  The next attack would settle the matter and he knew, outnumbered, as they were, they could not possibly win.

He took his sword and drew a line in the sand. He issued this challenge. Those who wanted to escape could slip away in the night, but those who were willing to fight and die, crossed the line. Of the small remnant of soldiers left, all 200 crossed the line, every one of them.

King Zedekiah had sent Pashur, and Zephaniah to enquire of the Lord. The King was under attack from Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Jeremiah’s message foretold of the destruction of the city, and certain death to the inhabitants if they did not surrender. For the Lord had set his face against this city for evil, and not for good. Jer 21 v 10

Death, judgement and the way of escape are set before us in the Bible. Moses stands before the people and cries, Who is on the Lord’s side?  Exodus 32 v 26

            The Lord Jesus said, If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. John 8 v 24

            “The soul that sinneth, it shall die”. Ezek 18 v4

How little of death and judgement do we hear from our pulpits today

To escape from sin the consequences of sin and the judgement of God, is to escape eternal punishment, what a great mercy this is?

Many Christians are unwilling to accept the fact that God’s alternative to eternal life, is eternal death and everlasting torment. They would rather assume that a loving God would not be too hard on unrepenting sinners and hope that after death it will be annihilation or something!

But the Word of God teaches us; the reality is a stark choice life or death. Choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24 v 26.

Calvary Love

Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world”.   John 1 v 29

We will never understand the love of God in sending Jesus to die on a cruel cross, until we fully realise the awful cost he paid in becoming sin. What is our concept of sin? Is it, “For he, hath made him to be sin, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him”.   2 Cor 5 v 21

That God the Father could allow his Son, to become sin for us is a staggering thought. His sinless, holy, righteous and only begotten Son, to be sin?

We tend to think of sin in simplistic ways as adultery or murder as an act or incident. But in reality from Gods viewpoint the human heart is impregnated with sin. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it.  Jer 17 v 9

But the Lord Jesus took upon himself the sin of the world. He became sin, or was made sin!

Imagine, from the beginning of creation, from Adam’s generation, or Noah’s generation, the sins in Sodom and Gomorrah.

Every rape, every evil murder, every act of adultery, of incest, or pornography. Think of the awfulness of child abuse, every hateful thought, the abominations of devils, the lies, the deceits, the cruelties, the sadist’s, the ethnic cleansing, the holocaust, the cults with their black magic and devil worship, witches.

Satanists with their horrible orgies, all the filth and depravity of this present evil time. The lust, the God- haters, Christ-haters, the blasphemers, the mockers and scoffers, and wickedness in high places.

When Jesus was on the cross  the sight was so awful that  His Father could not look upon His Son on the cross, and the Lord Jesus cried out,

Eloi, Eloi, la’ma’sa’bach’than’ni which being interpreted,  “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me”? Math 27 v 46.

It was no wonder that in the garden of Gethsemene, the Lord Jesus, sweated as it were great drops of blood, “And being in an agony, he prayed the more earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground”. Luke 22 v 44

What a price to pay for my sin? What love is this? Who could endure such a thing?

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend. Unless a corn of wheat falls into the ground and die, it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it, and he that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal”. John 12 v 24

He took all my sin in his body on the tree! Amazing Calvary love”.

Unbelief

 “And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not”.

His sons had brought him good news, Joseph, whom he had considered long dead, was alive in Egypt. “He is governor over all the land”. Jacobs heart fainted, for he believed them not”. Unbelief is sin. All that is not of faith is sin”. Rom 14 v 23

“And we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief”. Heb 3 v 19

How we fail God in this matter of faith!

When the Lord Jesus appeared to the disciples in his resurrected, glorified body, they saw him, “Yet some doubted”. Math 28 v 17

Mary Mag’da’lene had seen the Lord Jesus alive, she ran to tell the disciples. “But they believed not”. Mark 16 v 11

The two disciples on the Emmaus road, whose eyes had been opened in the breaking of bread, and had met with Jesus, came to tell the good news to the others. How disappointed they must have been, when the exciting news had been dismissed. The disciples did not believe them? Mark 16 v 13

Are we going to operate by faith?  Faith is God’s key for great and mighty things, whereas unbelief is the great stumblingblock to miracles.  Are we to be doubting Thomas’s? John 20 v 25

Jacob could not accept that his son was alive and well. He needed proof. Satan uses unbelief to checkmate faith. Millions do not accept that Jesus Christ is alive and well.

There was however a remarkable change in Jacob. Like Thomas, when he saw the evidence and heard the words of testimony, he believed. “And they told him all the words of Joseph; and when he saw them wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, and the spirit of Jacob their father revived. He said, It is enough, Joseph my son is yet alive; I will go and see him”. Gen 45v 27

When Jesus came to a village he was hindered because of lack of faith. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Math 13 v 58

The father who came to Jesus with his tormented son, a lunatic, complained the disciple could not cure him nor could they!

So the Lord had to rebuke his disciples. And Jesus said unto them, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you”. Math 17 v 20

Again when he appeared in resurrected glory he rebuked them for lack of faith. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. Mark 16 v 14

“Thomas because thou hast seen me thou hast believed: blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believed”. John 20 v 29

Are we like the man who said, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.  Mark 9:24

The Soldier

A soldier is trained to fight, to kill, and to survive but also to be ready to die for the cause for King and country.

“Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour”. Ex 32 v 27

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend”. John 15 v 27

I ask myself, would I be willing to die for a friend? “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die: But God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we are yet sinners, Christ died for us”.  Rom 5 v 8

I believe that sacrifice, is God’s highest ideal for us to lay all on the altar, the most precious thing we hold dear, living a crucified life, laying down all, yielding all on the altar of obedience to God’s plan and will. “Teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world”.

Titus 2 v 12

Many people are afraid to die. Paul faced death many times and could write, “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord, whether we live or die, we are the Lords”. Rom 14 v 8

The Centurion knew what orders were how to give them! “For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it”.  Math 8 v  9

“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier”. 2 Timothy 2 v 4

The Lord Jesus went all the way to the cross, he wasn’t ordered to he chose to obey his heavenly Father.“

“And being found in a fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross”. Phil 2 v 8

 Phil 2 v 5/8

The death sentence for Jesus, had already been decided upon, from before the foundation of the world. He willingly accepted it. John 17 v 24

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim 2 v 3

Can we be obedient unto death? This is precious to God. “Take now thine only son whom thou lovest”.  Abraham passed this test and became “The Father of all the faithful”. Rom 4 v 16

“For me to live is Christ to die is gain”.  Is this our standard? It is a wonderful thing to live for Christ. But are we prepared to die for him? Gal 2 v 20

Why Sit We Here?

Why sit we here until we die? The four leprous men were fatalistic. “If they save us alive we shall live; and if they kill us we shall die”.  2 Kings 7 v 4

There is a time for sitting around, but it was not the time for these lepers. Ben- Hadad, the King of Syria had besieged Samaria and the city was suffering in a terrible famine. The leprous men knew that if they remained in the city they were likely to die of the famine, yet if the ventured forth to the Syrian camp they might also perish.  What should they do?

The Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand of God waiting until all his enemies are put under his feet. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. . Psalms 2 v 4

Situations and circumstances can look pretty black. Are you in, a “No hope situation”?  Then call upon the Lord. “This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles”. Psalm 34 v 6

The world does not allow or indeed expect God to intervene. He does many times for his blood bought children and in his sovereign power, saying enough and no further. When he said for example, Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm”. 1 Chron 16 v22“

“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever”. Revelation 5:13

“Call upon me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not”. Jer 33 v 3

Of course in our pleading with God, the answer we receive may not be always what we expect, desire or choose? For His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Isaiah 55 v 8

What a startling scene met the eyes of these lepers as they fearfully entered into the enemy’s camp! It was deserted, not only that, but they had left all their goods scattered everywhere. “For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots, a noise of horses, and even the noise of a great host”. 2 Kings 7 v 6

Now the situation was completely reversed. The strong enemy who had plenty of food had fled in fear of their lives, the camp was empty the danger had past and the camp is full of uneaten food. Back in the city however, they remain in ignorance of this fact. They were still paralysed with fear! 2 Kings 7 v 12

It is an important lesson. Everything had now changed and yet the people in the city were still starving. Someone ought to tell them.

“We do not well: This is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace; now therefore come, that we may go and tell the King’s household”.   2 Kings 7 v 9

Shall we go and tell out the good news? Romans 10 v 14

The Shoes

And took the captives, and with the spoil, clothed them that were naked among them and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jerico”.  2 Chron 28 v 15

This is a wonderful example of Christianity, remember this is before the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers!

I believe it identifies the work of the Spirit of God in coming on the prophet of the Lord. But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name was O’ded; and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, “Because the Lord God of your fathers was wroth with Judah he hath delivered them into your hand”.

2 Chron 28 v 9

O’ded instructed the armed men to clothe the captives, and to put shoes on their feet”. 2 Chron 28 v 15

“Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be”. Deut 33 v 25

Israel had walked for forty years without wearing out their shoes, Joshua 5 v 15

Moses had been told to take off his shoes, “For the ground upon which you stand is holy”. Ex 3 v 5

After his victory over the five kings who had invaded the land, Abraham said to the King of Sodom I have lifted up my hand unto the Lord the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth. That I will not take from a thread to a shoe latchet, lest thou should say I have made Abraham rich. Gen 14 v 22.23

While visiting Poland I found that it is still the custom to take off your shoes on entering a home John the Baptist said of Jesus He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to undo. John 1 v 27              John the Baptist said that he was not worthy to unloose the shoes of Jesus. “He it is, who coming after me, is preferred before me, whose shoes I am unworthy to unloose”.

In some countries the street shoe shine boy still plies his trade. I was saddened to observe a young lad get onto the train in India, seeking to polish up some shoes. Sad because so many folks including myself were clad in sandals.

As I prepared for a Gospel journey into Poland, I had it in my heart to ask the Lord for two pairs of shoes. These were specifically for my two young translators. I had obtained the information that I needed a pair of leather shoes one pair black the other brown and their sizes were to be size eight and a half.

On returning from a meeting one day, I was thrilled to find in a plastic bag hanging from my door handle, two pairs of shoes. One brown, one pair black, both leather uppers and soles both the eight and a half size.  God had provided in a wonderful way. Glory to God

When Joshua was invading and conquering the land of Israel one tribe came to deceive him they wore clouted shoes. Making them look as if they had been on a long journey, when actually they lived very near. Joshua 9 v 5

The returning prodigal son was not only invited to wear the best robe but shoes on his feet.  Luke 15 v 22

What is the condition of your shoes? Are they wearing out!

Apple Pie

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Gen 3 v 6.

One of the saddest stories in the Bible!

You may know the saying…”It was not the apple on the tree, but the pair in the garden. Well the Bible just mentions fruit. However it was not to be eaten, every other fruit could be eaten, but not his one. Gods first test of man’s obedience, and he fell at the first fence. Tragic!

The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men. Joel 1 v 12

Abraham invited the strangers who visited him to a feast. And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.  Genesis 19 v 3

Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord shall choose: because the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice. Deut 16 v 15

My neighbour stood at my front door thanking me for an apple pie I had made. I had picked up some windfalls from his tree, and thought to make him a pie, to break the ice and to be neighbourly. I was pleased that they had enjoyed it and we were invited to come round one evening for a cup of coffee. I accepted the invitation and this led to us witnessing to them over many weeks.

Then one day my neighbour knocked again at my front door he was looking concerned.  Could he have a little talk and as we sat in the kitchen he unburdened himself and confessed to being fearful of death. After reading the Bible to him and witnessing to him again, I had the joy of praying with him as he asked Jesus to save him and enter his heart.

Apple pies can open doors.  What is the old saying, The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! It has a certain amount of truth in it.

Adam blamed his wife for the temptation; his eating and yielding to sin was apparently, her fault. Then he tried to blame God.  The woman, whom thou gave me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat. What a pathetic excuse. Gen 3 v 12

Israel feasted unto the Lord. Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. 2 Chron 8 v 13

Desire for food and the lust of the eyes is something that needs to be brought under control. But I keep my body under and bring it into subjection; lest by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be cast away. 1 Cor 9 v 27

Bitter Cry

When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and bitter cry. Esther 4 v 1

The post had gone out all over the province, to the rulers and governor’s, that all the Jews were to be put to death on a certain day. To destroy, to kill, to perish, and the letters were sealed with the Kings ring. Esther 3 v 12/13

What terrible news! What an awful predicament for Mordecai. All his people were to be exterminated. Ethnic cleansing. What did people think, who heard this Jew letting out a loud and bitter cry? Sadly in these last days, in Africa and Europe this cry has been replicated as ethnic groups are threatened with extinction.

What a cry was uttered from the cross. “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me”? Luke 15 v 34

Mordecai cried out for his threatened people. But something had happened among the Jews. And in every province, withersoever the Kings commandment and degree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting and weeping, and wailing;

Even Mordecai, refused to wear the raiment that Queen Esther had sent to him. Esther 4 v 3 Oh that there might be that cry of anguish for England, as we see our heritage almost eradicated, and Christianity overwhelmed by paganism, idol worship, and the occult.            2 Tim 3 v 2/5

 There was a terrible cry from Sodom and Gomorrah and the Lord came to investigate. Was this the stench of sin? “And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous”. Gen 18 v 2

“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them that do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: There shall be weeping and a wailing and gnashing of teeth”.  Math 13 v 41

What is our cry to be?  Are we to continue to be complacent? Will we cry out for lost souls? Will we wear sackcloth and ashes for all those millions under the sentence of death, who are locked up in Satan’s bonds? Will we cry to God in anguish for England?

Thus saith the Lord; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl. Jeremiah 47 v

Or will we allow millions to be, Cast in to a furnace of fire: where there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.Math 13 v 50

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. Psalms 34 v 17

Mary

A clergyman was called upon to conduct the funeral service of a young woman who had died suddenly, her name was Mary.

When enquiring of Mary’s local Mission worker, whether Mary was a Christian, he noticed a painful expression in his eyes. The mission worker explained, three weeks ago, I felt a prompting of the Holy Spirit, to go and speak with Mary, but I did not. The mission worker looked very sad.

The clergyman also spoke to Mary’s Sunday schoolteacher, enquiring again, Was Mary a Christian? The Sunday school teacher replied, two weeks ago, I felt prompted to speak to Mary, about her eternal future, but I did not. She too turned away sad.

The clergyman then asked Mary’s Mother, was Mary a Christian? Mary’s Mother replied, “A week ago, I felt a prompting of the Holy Spirit, to speak to Mary about her soul, but I did not”. There were tears in her eyes as she turned away.

Three times the Holy Spirit prompted people to speak to Mary, three times they failed to do so. Was Mary a Christian? Perhaps there is someone, near and dear to you, who needs to hear the Gospel. If there is you had better go and speak with them now

“Behold, now is the day of salvation”. 2 Cor 6 v 2b

Will you ask them the question, Are you born again?  Have you met with Jesus ?

“Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost”. Acts 9 v 1

What a joy it must have been to Ananias, when he saw the scales fall from Saul’s eyes. Saul had received his sight, and was filled with the Holy Ghost, then was immediately baptised in water.

In later years as Ananias heard of the preaching of Paul all over the world, the miracles, the healings, the conversions of so many souls, I guess he was glad, with exceeding joy, that he obeyed the Lord. He had accomplished his mission.

God has arranged many  a Divine appointment as we walk with the Lord and are sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. When we obey in  the spirit of faith God will give us marvellous encouragement for obedience.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying,. Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here I am; send me. Isaiah 6 v 8

The Laver

As a child, I was always asked, Have you washed behind your ears ?

The Brass Laver stood in the Tabernacle courtyard. The Levitical priest used it every time he entered the holy place. He was required to wash his hands and feet, which had become contaminated with the dirt of the animals and the courtyard. The Laver had been made from the mirrors of the women.

The mirrors speak of self-examination, or self-judgement. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 1 Cor 11 v 31

Self-examination prevented God’s chastisement, and God’s judgements. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

1 Cor 11 v 32

But let a man examine himself! Self-examination. Not in an unhealthy self-absorption, or in continually looking inward at faults and failings. Not in a nit- picking, like scratching at some scab or spot but a healthy self examination before the Lord in the light of his Word, and by the light of His Holy Spirit.

Seeing as it were the daily contamination and dirt accumulated by just being in this sinful environment, and washing ourselves clean.

Cats are clean creatures. A cat will always lick itself, preening its fur and removing any knots of hairs

God’s Word tells us, …Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only; deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his face in a glass, for he beholdeth himself and goeth away and straightaway forgeteth what manner of man he was. James 1 v 22

As we examine ourselves in the mirror of God’s Holy Word, and in the reflection of Christ perfection in Gods Word, we find ourselves to be, very dirty indeed. Compared with the mirrored life of the Lord Jesus, in all his sinless perfection, we realise that…All our righteousness are as filthy rags before God.   Isaiah 64 v 6

But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor 3 v 18

As believer priest, we too must wash daily before entering into the Holy place.   1 Peter 2 v 9

The moment we truly repented of our sins, and are born again of God’s Spirit. At that moment we were washed clean from all our sins, past, present, and future. But now as believer priest we need only to come and wash from the daily contamination. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat.  Ex 30 v 19

The Word of God cleanses the Church from its daily contamination from the world. That Christ might sanctify it and cleanse it, with the washing of the water by the Word. Ephes 5 v 26

Jesus said, .Now ye are clean, through the Word I have spoken to you..

John 3 v 16

Waves of blessing

What in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. Genesis 22 v 17

Jacob had hidden away from his brother Esau but now was confronted by him He was apprehensive and divided his family into two groups. When he knew that Esau was near he sent gifts ahead to pacify him. Would it be a blessing.

Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. Genesis 33 v 11

A young man testified that as a youngster, he had wanted to get away from his parent’s home and all that his Mother and Father stood for.

His father was a Pastor of a Pentecostal church, and the son told us he hated even saying grace before the mealtime. He determined when he was old enough, to leave home and get as far away from his family, religion and God as he could. He trained as a teacher, taught in Europe for a while and then travelled to Mexico City

It was here while walking in the city, that he was accosted by a young man offering him a tract who wanted to speak to him about Jesus.

The young man was embarrassed and wondered how he could get rid of this witness for Jesus.  He had an idea. He would tell them “My Father is the Pastor of a Pentecostal church”.

On hearing this news however, the young man called over his young friends and celebrating carried him off to a meeting place. To his consternation the Pastor of the church called the young man to the platform. Come let us hear your testimony The young man told us that he wished for the floor to open up and swallow him, for he was speechless.

As the young man stood embarrassed and speechless on the platform, God was at work in his heart. He realised with shame he did not have a testimony, and that God had followed him to Mexico, and found him out. He deeply repented of his sins and was born again, receiving the Lord Jesus as his Saviour

He testified I knew my mother was praying for there were waves of blessing coming over me.

Is there someone on your heart today?  A member of the family that is lost?

Naaman the leper was so greatly to Elijah that he wanted him to receive a blessing. And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. 2 Kings 5 v 15

“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith”.

Galatians 3 v 14

An Odour

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish”. 2 Cor 2 v 15

My wife can easily detect the left over smell of my cooking whether it be sausages or onions. She knows I have invaded her kitchen!

A woman stood in the queue at the post office as we waited patiently in line. Some people were becoming uncomfortable because there was an exceptionally bad smell emanating somewhere nearby. Was it the man in front, or the woman? Some folks tried to ignore the smell while others moved away deciding they had more urgent business elsewhere.

Neglect of personal hygiene can lead to distress, sickness and ill health. Some folks suffer from bad feet odour. Sadly they leave a trail of their presence everywhere they go.

When we neglect our spiritual cleansing, in the “Daily washing of the water by the Word”, then not only are we dirty, but we are leaving an odour behind us, our state can be easily detected by those around us. A child cannot disguise the fact that he is covered in mud.

The High priest Aa’ron had to be cleansed, washed, anointed with oil and consecrated before he could serve God in the Holy of Holy’s. Ex 30 v 25

When Israel wanted to bless his son E’sau and was deceived by Jacob dressed as E’sau he smelled the fragrance on Esau’s clothing. “And he came near, and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed”. Gen 27 v 2

An odour. We are an odour unto God, “A sweet savour of Christ”. To the world we are “The savour of death unto death, and to Christians and to God we are, A savour of life unto life”. 2 Cor 2 v 15/16

Paul described the love gifts from Christians as an odour. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. Phill 4: v

A woman came to anoint the feet of Jesus with her tears and poured the costly ointment on his head was rebuked by the disciple, but she was commended for her act, and the house was filled with an odour.

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12 v 3

When Noah finally landed on dry earth after surviving the flood he4 made an altar and sacrificed in thanksgiving to God. The Lord smelled a sweet odour he was well pleased and made an Covenant with man”. And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake. Gen 8 v 21.

We are an odour to God. Are we fresh and pure, clean to minister unto the Lord?

Only through the application of the blood of Jesus by faith. For the blood in the basin does us no good it must be applied to our hearts by faith. 1 John 1 v 7

Can we say to God, “Search me O God, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me to the way everlasting”. Psalm 139 v 23

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. John 1 v 9

Faith

What saith the Scripture, “Abraham believed God”. So simple. So powerful. So amazing. He believed God!

He also obeyed God. There was no fuss, no bother, what had God said? “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land which I will show thee. And I will make thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing”. Gen 12 v 2

It was right back there in Genesis chapter twelve that God challenges the father of the faithful, Abraham to get out. It is quite a challenge to leave your homeland!

The world is full of migrants and refugees. Homeless people, wandering around almost as vagrants. Through war, through ethnic cleansing, they are on the move in there thousands, seeking shelter, somewhere to settle land posterity, a future somewhere

God has all these for the believer. “Here we have no continuing city, we plainly declare that we desire a better country, that is a heavenly, and God has prepared for us such a city. Heb 11 v 16

When Abraham was called, he went not knowing where he was going.  He did not have a Michelin map, but enough faith to believe and trust God!  Heb 11 v 8

Faith says “Yes” to God.  He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephes 3 v 20

We as Christians, have the pathway set out clearly before us, mapped out. The new and living way, the king’s highway, the narrow way that leads to life. We can hear the voice of the shepherd gently calling us, “Follow me”.  Is the Holy Spirit is guiding us with that still small voice that say’s, “This is the way, walk ye in it”, the word of God is directing us moment by moment, day by day! Isaiah 30 v 21. Acts 16 v 6

“Abraham sojourned in a land of promise. By faith! Heb 9 v 8

We too are called to sojourn, as in a strange land. For Abraham it was a Promised Land, yet still alien because it had not been conquered and settled.

We are in the world but not of it. To Christians it should be an alien place. But one day we will occupy it in the millennial reign of Christ, when the King of Kings returns. He will return to rule and reign for a thousand years. He will rule with a rod of iron, when He will give authority to those faithful servants and put them in charge of five cities or ten.

 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. . Math 25 v 21

“Do ye not know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters”. 1 Cor 6 v 2

Do we have faith to believe it?

Eat

But Jesus said unto them, they need not depart; give them to eat”. Math 14 v 16

The world is still full of hungry people, who are crying out to be fed. The ravages of war and famine leave families decimated and dying of starvation. The disciples of Jesus are still required to feed the hungry, to share our crust with those who have none. “As ye do it unto the least of these my brethren ye do it unto Me”. Math 25 v 40

They need not depart. 5,000 men, women and children were fed at that meal. They need not depart, Jesus is here, and the Master has food enough to feed them all. The disciples were intent on sending them away “Send the multitude away, it is a desert place, the time is now past”. Math 14 v 15

And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Numbers 11 v 21

Hungry multitudes are sent away because we lack compassion and faith! When Elisha went to Gilgal in the time of famine God wonderfully multiplied the bread so that all were fed”.

And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat….For thus saith the Lord they shall eat and shall leave thereof

2 Kings 4 v 42/43

What is your diet like? Are you living from hand to mouth? Are you living on scraps? Some folks have a portion of the Word of God on a Sunday and that it is it for the rest of the week! Is this healthy living? Will we grow strong on such fare?

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. Math 4 v 4

“And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread and thy water; and I will take away sickness away from the midst of thee”. Ex 23 v 25 God fed Israel for forty years, in the wilderness with manna, men did eat angel’s food. “The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven”.   Psalm 105 v 40

Ex 23 v 25

What a feast! They were satisfied. So were the 5000 in Jesus day, for they had much left over. “And they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full”. Math 14 v 20

God’s Word is inexhaustible. It is rich in all the necessary nutrients. Today’s dietician will recommend minerals, trace elements, antioxidants, and so on. There should be no anorexic Christians today. We have an open Bible.

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he doth meditate both day and night. And he shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in season, his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper”. Psalm 1 v 1/3

 As Elijah lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, arise and eat. 1 Kings 19 v 5

Are you hungry? “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled”. Math 5 v 6

Obedient Servant

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.             1 John 1 v 7

The highwayman used this phrase often. Your money of your life, or even stand and deliver”. John Wesley, the famous Methodist preacher was challenged by a highway robber with these same words.

Like most of us, when faced with life or death, it puts wealth, and the possession of money into its right perspective. John Wesley quickly relinquished his moneybag, but had the presence of mind to say to the departing robber. Friend I want you to remember that the blood of Jesus Christ, (God’s Son) cleanseth us from all sin”.  1 John 1 v 7

It was in London twenty-five years later that the robber appeared once more. This time to seek pardon and forgiveness from John Wesley, which he received freely. Yes he had remembered those words. Gods Word had struck right into his heart and he had been wonderfully saved. Now he wanted to make restitution and to serve the Lord by preaching  the Gospel..

God is still taking hold of thieves and robbers, saving them and using their talents and time to witness and preach the good news, that Jesus saves that there is power in his precious blood. In India revival broke out when murderers and thieves were converted, immediately they went forth as ambassadors for Christ preaching the Word.

“Your money or your life, is still a challenge the devil uses, rather, “Your life. The devil will promise you the world, in exchange for your life. “Again the devil taketh Him, (Jesus) up unto an exceeding high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of this world, and the glory of them: And said unto Him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me”. Math 4 v 9

“Ask of me whatever thou wilt, and I will give it thee”. This was a promise to the daughter of Herodias. “And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom”. Mark 6 v 22/23

What a high price for was paid to feed Herod’s  pride and lust!

It was thirty pieces of silver for the betrayal of Jesus. “Hail Master”, came easily to the lips of Judas. Math 26 v 49

Sadly today many have compromised with the world. “Having eyes full of adultery, that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practises; cursed children. 2 Peter 2 v 14

“Love not the world, neither the things in the world, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him”. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life ,is not of the Father, but is of the world”. 1 John 2 v 1

 Many folks are still connected up to that old worldly system.  Your money or your life?

Money or your life

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.            1 John 1 v 7

The highwayman used this phrase often. Your money of your life, or even stand and deliver”. John Wesley, the famous Methodist preacher was challenged by a highway robber with these same words.

Like most of us, when faced with life or death, it puts wealth, and the possession of money into its right perspective. John Wesley quickly relinquished his moneybag, but had the presence of mind to say to the departing robber. Friend I want you to remember that the blood of Jesus Christ, (God’s Son) cleanseth us from all sin”. 1 John 1 v 7

It was in London twenty-five years later that the robber appeared once more. This time to seek pardon and forgiveness from John Wesley, which he received freely. Yes he had remembered those words. Gods Word had struck right into his heart and he had been wonderfully saved. Now he wanted to make restitution and to serve the Lord by preaching  the Gospel..

God is still taking hold of thieves and robbers, saving them and using their talents and time to witness and preach the good news, that Jesus saves that there is power in his precious blood. In India revival broke out when murderers and thieves were converted, immediately they went forth as ambassadors for Christ preaching the Word.

“Your money or your life, is still a challenge the devil uses, rather, “Your life. The devil will promise you the world, in exchange for your life. “Again the devil taketh Him, (Jesus) up unto an exceeding high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of this world, and the glory of them: And said unto Him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me”. Math 4 v 9

“Ask of me whatever thou wilt, and I will give it thee”. This was a promise to the daughter of Herodias. “And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom”. Mark 6 v 22/23

 What a high price for was paid to feed Herod’s  pride and lust!

It was thirty pieces of silver for the betrayal of Jesus. “Hail Master”, came easily to the lips of Judas. Math 26 v 49

Sadly today many have compromised with the world. “Having eyes full of adultery, that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practises; cursed children. 2 Peter 2 v 14

“Love not the world, neither the things in the world, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him”. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life ,is not of the Father, but is of the world”. 1 John 2 v 1

 Many folks are still connected up to that old worldly system.  Your money or your life?

A flaming sword of mercy

So He drove out the man, and He placed at the East of the garden of Eden Cher’u’bims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life”. Gen 3 v 24.

Alexandra the Great was said to have seen a flaming sword in the sky just before a battle. He took this sign from God that he would be victorious, and he was.So He drove out the man, and He placed at the East of the garden of Eden Cher’u’bims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life”. Gen 3 v 24.

God’s flaming sword of mercy. Adam and Eve had sinned. They had been walking and talking with God in Paradise, in fellowship with him, in a beautiful God created place, where no sin dwelt. Imagine a place of no sin

Many people come to me to complain, This life is hell, or something similar. I say, No, God created us and placed us in Paradise. That God’s original plan was to have fellowship with his creation in beautiful surroundings, in peace and glory.  How tragic for the human race when temptation entered in, sin, the fall and the curse, all followed.

Cursed is the ground for thy sake, in sorrow thou shalt eat of it all the days of thy life. Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to thee and thou shalt eat of the herb of the field. In the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat bread. Gen 3 v17/19

Yet here, in the garden, we see God’s great mercy. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion’s fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lam 3 v 22

Adam and Eve were rightly cast out. God in His mercy made skins to clothe them, and sent them out to till the ground from whence he was taken. Gen 3 v 23

Had Adam stretched forth his hand to eat of the fruit of the tree of life, he would have been, eternally living in sin. God prevented him and made for him, a way back.

A way back to fellowship and fruitfulness, a way back to renewed fellowship in Paradise through the blood of Jesus Christ shed at the cross of Calvary.

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the Lord of host.

For the Lord is good and His mercy endureth forever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the Lord. Jer 33 v 11

While sitting at meat, the disciples are challenged by the Pharisees who ask them, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?   But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.      Math 9 v 10/13

Mercy indeed

The Door

I know thy works: Behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it, for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my Word, and hast not denied my name.   Rev 3 v 8

In Poland and many other countries, it is the custom to take off your shoes as you enter the home. Whether a palatial or a humble home, you take off your shoes in the porch. The door to a palace is magnificent; a tramp would feel uncomfortable walking up the regal stairway to knock at the royal door. Many ordinary folks would not have the cheek to approach the doors of a palace, but would rather humble themselves and go around the back to the tradesmen’s entrance.

And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, Gen 19 v 6

But God says I set before you an open door. Rev 3 v 8

And ye yourselves are like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Luke 12 v 36

As a salesman, I knocked on thousands of doors. Some of the people did not bother to answer, others hid away behind a locked door for fear, and they refused to answer until the knocking had stopped. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep by name and leadeth them out. John 10 v 3

Yes that tender voice of love, grace and truth, speaks so gently, “I am the door, by me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go out and in and find pasture”. John 10 v 9

Outside many churches today, there is One who is tenderly calling. Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev 3 v 20

Of course this speaks of the church where the Lord sadly stands outside. How gracious God is when unable to dwell within this apostate church he patiently waits outside, calling in that still small voice, and waiting for a humble heart cry.

Is the door of your heart open? When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut  the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are. Luke 13 v 25

Holman Hunt drew that wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus outside the door. The door has no latch so he has to wait patiently for someone inside to open it. Is he waiting for you?

For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. Exodus 12 v 23

Three Things

Either three years famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout the coast of Israel.

Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall  bring again to him that sent me. And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.            1 Chron 21 v 12.ither three years famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout the coast of Israel.

One of the mysteries in the Word of God is the choice allowed by God to King David when he had sinned in numbering Israel. There were three things he could choose. Behold I set before you the way of life and the way of death. Jer 21 v 8

Two ways only. The Gospel is a division between the light and the darkness, the corruptible seed and the incorruptible seed, the wheat, the tares, the good fish and the bad, the sheep and the goats. For the wages of sin is death, and the gift of God is eternal life. Here God gives King David a choice of three things. 1 Chron 21 v 12

What lessons can we learn? King Davids heart smote him when he sinned. We must thank God for our conscience that still warns us of evil in our heart.

His trusted Captain had tried in vain to dissuade him from his foolishness, his stubborn pride. “Why does my Lord delight in this thing “?    A good question? Was it pride in numbers, in the greatness of his Kingdom God had given him the kingdom and he should have been content. “For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive, now if thou didst receive it why dost thou glory?…1 Cor 4  7

Some Evangelist are like this, they count  decisions.  Souls that come forward in response to an altar call. King David had numbered the people. But God had not given him any instructions to do this. What did it profit him in knowing there were 800,000 valiant men that drew sword in Israel and 500,000 men in Judah ?              v 5

King David was no stronger with this information. God had given him all that he owned. God had taken him from the sheepfold to the palace. God had enabled him to have the victory over his many enemies.

He chooses the three days. “Let us now fall into the hands of the Lord; for his mercies are great, and let me not fall into the hand of man”.  He had great wisdom in his choice.         1 Chron 21 v 14

70,000 people died from Dan to Beersheba. There is always a high price to pay for sin.

Like a stone dropped into a pond, the consequences of sin spread out to reach other innocent folks all around. Lo, I have sinned, I have done wickedly; but these thy sheep, what have they done”? Given the same choice. What would you have chosen?

Lock Stock and Barrel

When the bailiffs come to repossess the home, when the furniture is taken away, the cherished possessions are gone, there is often despair, and heartache followed by poverty. Lock stock and barrel means they clean out the place, everything of value is taken away, to pay the debts, the place is cleaned out.

The Lord Jesus told the parable of the strong man. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. Luke 11 v 21/22

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh he findeth it swept and garnished.                                        Luke 11 v 24

Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost. What know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own. 1 Cor 6 v 19

The devil demands his pound of flesh. He wants to occupy within. It was his old territory. Demons need to occupy mortal flesh, even pigs. Math 8 v 31

When Jesus occupies the heart, sin is disposed. If sin occupies the heart, Jesus the Lord is de- throned. The battle for the possession is in the mind. When we yield to self, the old man, the old nature, we enthrone sin

How quickly a thought can occupy and fill the whole mind? A thought flashes into the mind in a  second. If we hesitate and entertain it for a second or two, it lingers, and then soon makes itself comfortable. If it is not cast out immediately it may be very difficult to remove

Like an unwelcome dirty visitor, who settles back on your beautiful new settee, and then put his muddy boots up on it is going to make an unhappy home.

A speck of dirt on a white sheet soon shows up, despite all the whiteness around. The dirt magnifies and mocks the cleanness. A flaw in a cut glass dish will be immediately apparent under any bright light. Likewise muddy footmarks on a freshly scrubbed kitchen floor are not appreciated.

A speck in my brother’s eye will soon be noticed although I am unable to discern the great beam in my own eye. Math 7 v 3

Who is guarding your heart? All is safe and secure when guarded by the stronger man.

The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that ye might have life and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10 v 10

Stay

And now Lord what wait I for ?    Psalm 39 v 7

I trained my dog Jason to sit and wait until he was called. I would sit him on the goal line of a football pitch as I gradually walked further away from him.  Soon I could safely walk the length of then football pitch and looking back would see the dog patiently, and obediently still waiting for my signal to move. Once he saw my arms waving in the distance, he would take off like lightning and race towards me.

What joy we would have when he arrived. He was a faithful dog, faithful to the Masters commands. We must learn to wait upon the Lord and not move before he calls. Saul of Tarsus having been met by Jesus in the way, fell to the ground blinded by the glory of Lord Jesus.

 His first words were, Lord, “What wilt thou have me do”? We must learn this lesson too.

Arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do? Acts 9 v 6

While waiting in the queue for the bus, we often peer into the distance, and crane our necks searching the horizon to see if there is any sign of its appearance. We have to wait.  Sometimes it seems interminable. Seconds seem like hours. nothing moves and the whole body longs for action.

“Wait on the Lord, and be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait I say, on the Lord”. Psalm 27 v 14.

Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew thy strength, they shall rise up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint. Isaiah 40 v 31.

What do we need in these last days, as the devil rampages through our land? We need strength. Spiritual strength. Wait for the promise of the Father, for ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you. Acts 1 v 4/8

Stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord with you. Judah stood before the Lord, when the spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, in the midst of the congregation. And he said Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou King Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid, nor dismayed by the reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but Gods.

Tomorrow go ye down against them: Behold they are come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the Salvation of the Lord with you.

 2 Chron 20 v 15/17

Oh that you might know the power of God, the anointing of God. Might stand and see the Salvation of the Lord with you.   Having done all to stand, “Wherefore take the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand”. Ephes 6 v 13.

Every Step Contested

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephes 6 v 12

Great explorers and travellers will tell you of extreme hardship and suffering as they battle up the snow-capped mountains, or across icy waste, through the desert wilderness and isolated regions. It makes for exciting reading but illustrates an important lesson. The adversity that they were prepared to endure to achieve their goal. This pioneering spirit overcomes huge obstacles and impossible hurdles.

“There hath no temptation taken you, but such is not common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (tested) above that ye are able”,…1 Cor 10 v 13

In our pilgrim walk, there may seem to be many giants in the land, and certainly a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”. 1 Peter 5 v 8

Obstacles, some physical some spiritual, some natural, stand in our way. They are like sleeping policemen; (humps in the road to slow traffic) are easily overcome while others can loom large like impenetrable mountains, blocking our way.

David told Jonathan that he was close to death…”But truly as Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between death and me”. 1 Samuel 20 v 3

When I was a sales manager, teaching men how to overcome problems, I would advocate jumping over, going around, getting under, or going through, but whatever the cost, to get through. This of course is human effort, resisting and fighting back with will power.

But God’s weapons are more effective”Ye are of God little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world”.1 John 4 v 4

“The weapons of our warfare, are not carnal, but mighty, to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought to the obedience of Christ”. 2 Cor 10 V 4.

“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might”. Ephes 6 v 10

Remember we are not alone, the Lord is able to send ministering spirits.

“Are they not all-ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation”? Hebrews 1 v 14

The enemy of our souls resists every step Christian takes but God has promised us the victory. “Thanks be to God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ Jesus” . 2 Cor 2 v 4 a

Blessed is the man

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him. James  1 v 12

Jesus our Lord prayed, …“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”…  Matthew 6 v 13

Enduring temptation (testing) is blessed by God, when we come through. Enduring is important. God not only allows the testing time, but brings us to a place where we can do no more, only endure. We have prayed, we have pleaded , we have cried out for mercy, but we must then, learn to trust and to endure.  Nothing can be altered we must cling on to faith. Then, sooner that we realise, we can say, it came to pass.

Because God will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Cor 10 v 13

When we consider human endurance, what folks will do to prove their valour, skill and endurance?

Consider the marathon runner pounding the pavement mile after tedious mile. The solo yachtsman fighting boredom and mountainous waves, alone on the ocean. The Arctic explorer enduring sub zero temperatures, walking through blizzard conditions, just to reach a spot, marked the North or South Pole or the disco dancer jigging about, without sleep for days and nights, seeking to set a new world record.

How do we match up in the Christian sphere? Are we in the same league? God has set before us so many examples of those who endured and won through on faith.

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, and stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.  Women received their dead raised to life again, and others were tortured. Heb 11 v 33/4

Thrilling reading isn’t it. The world was not worthy of them, and these all having obtained a good report through faith. Hebrews 11 v 39

Is it possible to join the ranks of these trophies of faith? The Lord Jesus endured the temptation, (testing) in the wilderness; such was the struggle He had to be strengthened by ministering angels.  Math 4 v 11

Endurance may cost us all. Paul could say, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings.2 Cor 6 v 5

What will you have to endure today? Will you accept it happily and endure with patience?  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30 v 5.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James 1 v 12

The Leper

No, not Naman the leper, but  King Uzziah. How marvellously God helped him. What great exploits were done with his mighty army of 300,000 led by 2,600 men of valour? King Uzziah enthroned at the age of 16 years, Sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. 2 Chron 26 v 5

God helped King Uz’zi’ah fight and win against the Philistines, the Arabians, the Mehiinms, and the Ammonites gave gifts to him.o, not Naman the leper, but  King Uzziah. How marvellously God helped him. What great exploits were done with his mighty army of 300,000 led by 2,600 men of valour? King Uzziah enthroned at the age of 16 years, Sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. 2 Chron 26 v 5

What an incredible man and what a story! How God greatly helped him, then came trouble, his heart was lifted up to his destruction. Pride came into his heart and he went into the Temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense, which was strictly forbidden under the law. v 16

Pride comes before a fall.

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Obadiah 1 v 3

Azariah the priest came to challenge the King, with 80 other priest. They withstood him and reminded him that it was only the sons of Aaron who were consecrated, who were allowed to minister at the Lords altar. v 18

The King now increased his trouble by getting angry, it was the wrong thing to do.  Had he humbled himself, realised the truth and asked forgiveness, there might have been some help and hope for him. And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. Mark 1 v 40.

The Kings heart had been lifted up. What a warning lesson this is for us to keep ourselves humble before man and before the Lord.  The Lord had smitten the King and he was a leper until the day he died. He had plenty of time for regret, for shame.

And the Lord smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king’s son was over the house, judging the people of the land.

2 Kings 15:5

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Heb 12 v 17.

And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean. Leviticus 13 v 45

The Message

A young lad dropped a bottle into the sea off Folkestone. It contained a message. Some months later he was amazed when the bottle was discovered in Australia.  Somehow or other the message had got through.

Some older folks grow deaf but do not realise and are cut off from normal communications and the hearing of messages. A deaf person will walk in the road and not hear the traffic noises behind them. A deaf person can sit happily through a Gospel sermon without hearing a Word and this can be frustrating for the preacher.

Fancy picking up the telephone and not being able to hear anything?

“Thou shalt hear a Word behind thee saying, This is the way walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left”. Isaiah 30 v 21

The world is full of people trying desperately to get their message across. The computer now coughs up unwanted messages on the E-mail and Web sites are filling up with rubbish and garbage.

 The little boy, who dropped the bottle into the sea, did not have a message only his name and address. The world does not have a message only a confusion of voices which amounts to Babel.

God however does have something to say. A voice spoke from heaven and said, ‘Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’.

 Mark 1 v11

Millions have never heard the Gospel message. Why is this so neglected by the churches? Why have we not preached it out? We can arrange drama, dancing, singing and other forms of entertainment but sadly we have neglected to preach, proclaim the message of salvation. Mark 9 v 7

I heard a message from God. He said, ‘Say not I am a child, for thou shalt go to all that I send thee, and whatever I command thee, thou shalt speak’. Jer 1 v 7

‘How shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they hear without a preacher”? Rom 10 v 14

‘For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God’. 1 Cor 1 v 18

“Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature”. Mark 16 v 15